Risser bill would ban hunting in state parks

A state lawmaker wants to ban certain kinds of animal traps in Wisconsin, and to reverse a law which has allowed hunting in state parks. State Senator Fred Risser is offering the bills. Risser wants to prohibit steel jaw and body-gripping traps, as well as snares.

“There are other traps that work just as well,” said Risser (D-Madison). “These traps cause wildlife great suffering, but they also pose a threat to people and domestic animals.” Risser said he had not approached the Wisconsin Trappers Association prior to proposing the bill.

Hunting has only been allowed in state parks for the past two years, following passage of the Sporting Heritage Bill in 2012, intended to make it easier for people to participate in hunting and trapping. Risser voted against the measure in 2012, and now wants to reverse it.

“Individuals who don’t hunt, who want to enjoy a picnic with their families, who want to bird watch, who just want to enjoy our parks, should be able to do so within worrying about being shot up during hunting season,” Risser said. “The state of Wisconsin has plenty of land for hunters, and I think there ought to be certain oases where the public can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about guns.”